How to Successfully Interview for a Job

You can do a great job in the interview process if you take time to prepare yourself. Be prepared for the interview by knowing your skills, practicing your interview skills and researching the job and the company. You can research the company by looking at their web site, searching the internet for news articles or stories, or by talking directly to the person conducting the hiring for the company.

Present a positive image by being dressed nicely for the interview. Make sure your dress is appropriate, as is your personal hygiene and your behavior. Consider removing piercings and wearing clothes that cover up any tattoos during the interview.  If you know that your neck or arms become splotchy when you get nervous, wear a high collared shirt with long sleeves.  Look at yourself just before your interview-do you have food in your teeth, did the wind mess your hair up, do you have a run in your pantyhose?  Presentation is everything in an interview!

Listen to the interview questions carefully. It is okay to bring in a notepad to write down thoughts as the question is asked. Phrase your answers to respond to the needs of the employer by pointing out your skills, experience and personal qualities. By researching the position and the company prior to the interview, you will have a better understanding of what the employer is looking for in a candidate. Do not assume that what is written in the job flyer or announcement adequately explains what the job is about.

Due to Federal and State discrimination laws, there are questions that employers may not ask on an application or in an interview.  Review those questions on the Fair and Unfair Interview Questions section of this web site.

During the interview it is most appropriate to make eye contact and look at the individual asking the questions.  Avoid looking at the clock or holding your purse or briefcase on your lap; these actions tend to make you look like you are in a hurry and not interested in the position. 

If you did not hear or understand the question being asked of you, ask the interviewer to please repeat the question. 

You can also impress your interview panel by having your own questions prepared to ask your interviewers when they have completed their round of questioning.  Make sure to ask questions about the things that may have not been covered in the interview process, but are very important to you in making a decision about the job if it were offered to you, i.e.-is there a benefits package, where is the position located, what would my working hours be, do you offer child care, etc.

Once the interview is over, shake the interviewer(s) hand and thank them for the opportunity to interview, and let them know you would like to hear from them. 

Many companies follow up with each and every interviewee-whether they will get a job offer or not.  Other companies feel that if they are not going to make a job offer why call the interviewee just to let them know that they were not chosen for a position.  If you have not heard back from the company that you interviewed with 10 days after your interview, it is appropriate to telephone the interviewer to follow up on the interview.  You don't want to act pushy, but simply interested in the selection process.  If you are not chosen, don't give up hope, there are plenty of employers looking for people just like you!